Image guide wire connection

ABSTRACT

An electrical connector and assembly having a body arranged and disposed to receive an interconnector of a guide wire at a first end and an interface cable at a second end, and a contact module in the body, the contact module comprising a contact housing and a plurality of contacts, disposed in the contact housing, the plurality of contacts being configured for electrical connection with the interface cable and the guide wire, is disclosed.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to an electrical connector assembly.In particular, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly forconnecting an imaging guide wire to an electronic monitoring and controlbox.

BACKGROUND

Electronic medical devices permitting measurement of internal conditionsof a human body are well known. Often, these electronic medical devicesare connected to monitoring and control devices and systems. For safety,sanitation, convenience, and effectiveness, the connection of themonitoring and control devices to these medical devices is performed byelectrically connecting a cable extending from the monitoring andcontrol device to a cable extending from the medical device.

Known connectors do not adequately connect with certain types of medicaldevices, such as catheters. Catheters may include hypo tubes, which mayinclude delicate portions with dielectric and conductive portions. Thesehypo tubes may be as thin as about 14/1000 of an inch. Known connectorsmay break these hypo tubes or may be unreliable in separating theelectrical signals transmitted to the various conductive portions.

Therefore, there is an unmet need to provide an electrical connector andan electrical connector assembly permitting rotation, able to interfacewith cables and to work in conjunction with hypo tubes.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure provides an electrical connector and electricalconnector assembly permitting rotation that is configured to interfacewith cables and to work in conjunction with hypo tubes.

According to an embodiment, an electrical connector includes a bodyarranged and disposed to receive an interconnector of a guide wire at afirst end and an interface cable at a second end, and a contact modulein the body, the contact module comprising a contact housing and aplurality of contacts, disposed in the contact housing, the plurality ofcontacts being configured for electrical connection with the interfacecable and the guide wire. In the embodiment, the interconnectorcomprises a plurality of axial conductive portions separated by aplurality of axial dielectric portions, the number of the axialconductive portions corresponding to the number of the contacts in thecontact module, and the interface cable is arranged and disposed forelectrically connecting with a monitoring and control device.

According to another embodiment, an electrical connector assemblyincludes a guide wire having an interconnector, the interconnectorcomprising a plurality of axial conductive portions separated by aplurality of axial dielectric portions, the number of the axialconductive portions corresponding to the number of the contacts in thecontact module, the guide wire further comprising a sensor at a distalend of the guide wire, the sensor arranged and disposed for measuringinternal conditions of a human; an interface cable, the interface cablearranged and disposed for electrically connecting with a monitoring andcontrol device; and an electrical connector connecting the guide wire tothe interface cable. In the embodiment, the connector comprises a body,and a contact module, the contact module comprising a contact housingand a plurality of contacts disposed in the contact housing forelectrical connection with the interface cable and the guide wire. Thebody is arranged and disposed for protecting internal components of theelectrical connector.

According to yet another embodiment, an electrical connector includes abody arranged and disposed to receive a contact module and arranged anddisposed to receive a hypo tube of a guide wire at a first end and aninterface cable at a second end, the contact module, and a cam actuatorand a cam. In the embodiment, the contact module includes a contacthousing and a plurality of contacts, the contact housing arranged anddisposed for receiving the plurality of contacts, the plurality ofcontacts being configured for electrical connection with the interfacecable and the guide wire. The cam actuator is arranged and disposed forpartially rotating the cam, the cam being arranged and disposed forengaging the contacts upon being partially rotated, thereby permittingthe interconnector to be inserted into the contact module. The hypo tubecomprises a plurality of axial conductive portions and a plurality ofaxial dielectric portions, and the interface cable is arranged anddisposed for electrically connecting with a monitoring and controldevice.

An advantage of the present disclosure is permitting rotational movementof a catheter thereby permits physicians to have increased ability formanipulating medical devices.

Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the assembly allowslonger cables to be used with medical devices.

Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is the interoperabilityof the connector with hypo tubes.

Still yet another advantage of the present disclosure is the decreasedproduction cost of the connector.

Further aspects of the system and apparatus are disclosed herein. Thefeatures as discussed above, as well as other features and advantages ofthe present disclosure will be appreciated and understood by thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of aguide wire assembly according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of aguide wire receptacle according to the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of acontact module including a contact housing and contacts according to thedisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the contact housing in FIG. 3along a line 4-4 with contacts inserted into the contact housing.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the contact housing in FIG. 3along a line 4-4 with contacts inserted into the contact housing and aninterconnector inserted into the contact module.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of a contact moduleaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a contact moduleaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates still another alternate embodiment of a contactmodule according to the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a guide wire receptacleaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a guide wirereceptacle according to the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a guide wirereceptacle according to the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a guide wirereceptacle according to the disclosure.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a guide wire assembly 100.Guide wire assembly 100 includes a monitoring and control device 102arranged and disposed to receive an interface cable 104. Interface cable104 may be electrically connected with a guide wire receptacle 106 at adistal end 105 of interface cable 104. Interface cable 104 is arrangedand disposed to electrically connect with a guide wire 108 by guide wirereceptacle 106. Guide wire 108 is arranged and disposed for measuringinternal conditions by a sensor 110 at an end 107 of guide wire 108.Interface cable 104 may further include a plug 120 configured forelectrical communication with monitoring and control device 102.Alternatively, interface cable 104 may be hard-wired directly intomonitoring and control device 102 at an end 103, or other means ofelectrical connection may be used.

Interface cable 104 may be any flexible multi-conductor shielded cablewith an insulated covering. It is desirable that a shielded portion ofinterface cable 104 be connected to a shielded portion of guide wirereceptacle 106. Interface cable 104 is arranged and disposed for anelectronic communication signal to be provided through interface cable104 to monitoring and control device 102. Guide wire receptacle 106 isarranged and disposed for an interconnector 112 of guide wire 108 to bereleasably inserted into guide wire receptacle 108. Interconnector 112includes a plurality of axial conductive portions 116 and a plurality ofaxial dielectric portions 118. The number of axial conductive portions116 and axial dielectric portions 118 corresponds with the number ofcontacts inside guide wire receptacle 106. In the exemplary embodiment,each of interconnector 112 and guide wire receptacle 106 includes axialconductive portions 116, although in other embodiments more or feweraxial conductive portions 116 may be provided. Interconnector 112 isdepicted as a hypo tube but may be any suitable device with a pluralityof axial dielectric portions and a plurality of axial conductiveportions.

Interconnector 112 is configured to be removably inserted into anaperture 201 of guide wire receptacle 106. Sensor 110 at end 107 ofguide wire 108 may be inserted into a human body (e.g. intravenously),thereby permitting measurements from inside the body to be transmittedas electrical signals through guide wire 108 into guide wire receptacle106 to interface cable 104 in electrical communication with monitoringand control device 102.

Sensor 110 of guide wire 108 may be inserted into the human body withina balloon catheter 114 or other manners known in the art. It isdesirable that the method of inserting sensor 110 of guide wire 108 intothe human body permit accurate and consistent measurements of conditionsinside the body. As such, it is desirable that sensor 110 be insertedinto a closed area with little external stimulus. For example, sensor110 may be inserted into the femoral artery. As illustrated in theembodiment in FIG. 1, once guide wire 108 is inserted into the desiredlocation, catheter 114 may be inserted onto guide wire 108.

Referring to FIG. 2, guide wire receptacle 106 is a connector thatincludes a body 200 (see FIG. 1) formed by a shielded upper housing 202and a shielded lower housing 204. Shielded upper housing 202 is arrangedto be secured to shielded lower housing 204 to form body 200, therebyprotecting components housed within guide wire receptacle 106. Body 200may be a molded interconnection device as known in the art.

Referring still to FIG. 2, guide wire receptacle 106 is arranged anddisposed to receive guide wire 108 through aperture 201, which may bepartially formed by shielded upper housing 202 and shielded lowerhousing 204. Shielded lower housing 204 may receive springs 208, a camactuator 210, a cam 212, and a contact module 302 that may beelectrically connected to interface cable 104. As illustrated in FIG. 2,interconnector 112 of guide wire 108 may be inserted into guide wirereceptacle 106. Cam actuator 210 includes a fulcrum 218 configured torest in a receiving slot 220 of shielded lower housing 204. Receivingslot 220 is arranged and disposed for receiving fulcrum 218.

Upon interconnector 112 being inserted into guide wire receptacle 106,cam actuator 210 may be engaged by the user thereby reducing oreliminating the force required to insert interconnector 112. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, guide wire receptacle 106 maybe a zero insertion force connector. This reduction or elimination ofthe force required to insert interconnector 112 reduces the risk ofbreaking or damaging it. The engaged cam actuator 210 compresses springs208 and rotates cam 212, thereby rotating lobes 211 on cam 212. Whenrotated, lobes 211 engage the contacts in a contact module 302, therebypermitting insertion of interconnector 112 into contact module 302. Wheninterconnector 112 is fully inserted into contact module 302, the usermay release pressure on cam actuator 210. The release of pressurepermits springs 208 to expand. When springs 208 expand, cam actuator 210rotates thereby rotating cam 212 in the opposite direction. When cam 212rotates, lobes 211 on cam 212 rotate, thereby disengaging the contactsin contact module 302, which places the contacts in electricalcommunication with interconnector 112. Fully inserted interconnector 112permits multiple separate signals to be transmitted and received betweensensor 110 and the contacts.

FIG. 2 further illustrates guide wire receptacle 106 including anelastomeric guide seal 214. Guide seal 214 is arranged and disposed forinterconnector 112 to be inserted through it, thereby preventing fluidsfrom entering guide wire receptacle 106 and disrupting electricalcommunication. It is desirable that guide seal 214 include an openingslightly smaller than interconnector 112 that will expand upon insertionof interconnector 112 to substantially prevent contaminants, such asblood or other fluids, from entering guide wire receptacle 106.Additionally, guide seal 214 should be configured to permit insertion ofinterconnector 112 without damaging it. In other embodiments, the guideseal may be a wiper having a top and bottom portion configured to abuteach other. The wiper may be a single unitary piece with a slot oraperture configured for insertion of the interconnector. Alternatively,the wiper may include separate pieces that abut each other but areconfigured for insertion of the interconnector. As will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, the top and bottom portions may have anysuitable geometry including, but not limited to, half circles forming adisc, wedge-like portions, and brush-like components. The guide seal maybe comprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to,elastomeric material, foam, plastic, and fabric. Additionally oralternatively, the guide seal may require that it is punctured by a pinprior to insertion of the interconnector.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of contact module 302. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, contact module 302 includes contact housing 206and contacts 216. Contact housing 206 may be comprised of a dielectricmaterial. Contacts 216 may be comprised of a conductive material.Contact housing 206 may include grooves 304 arranged and disposed toretain contacts 216. Contact housing 206 may also include guides 306arranged and disposed for an upper portion 308 to insert into contacthousing 206. Additionally, contact 216 may include a terminal 310providing a conductive surface for receiving a conductive wire (notshown) by crimping, clipping, soldering, or otherwise attaching the wireto the conductive surface of terminal 310. Terminal 310 may also providelateral support to contacts 216 upon being inserted into contact housing206. As illustrated in FIG. 3, terminal 310 may be a substantiallyplanar surface that engages a contact housing surface 312 upon contacts216 being inserted into contact housing 206.

Contact housing 206 may include a feature 314 configured to receiveinterconnector 112. Feature 314 may include chamfers 316 for increasedease in inserting interconnector 112 into contact housing 206. Contacthousing 206 may be further configured to permit the interconnector to beinserted through contact housing 206, thereby establishing electricalcontact between contacts 216 and axial conductive portions 116 ofinterconnector 112. Feature 314 may be a channel extending through atleast a portion of contact housing 206. Feature 314 may extend throughthe entire contact housing or may be defined by an interior surface ofcontact housing 206, limiting the extent that interconnector 112 may beinserted into contact module 302.

Referring next to FIG. 4, contact module 302 may include contact 216inserted into contact housing 206. Upper portion 308 of contact 216 maybe arranged and disposed to flex. The ability of upper portion 308 toflex may permit an end portion 406 of contact 216 to be movedsubstantially vertically by being engaged by a mechanism, such as cam212 (see FIG. 2). Cam 212 may engage end portion 406 of contact 216 byproviding a force upon end portion 406 thereby flexing upper portion308. When upper portion 308 is flexed, end portion 406 reveals feature314 (see FIG. 3), thereby permitting the interconnector to be insertedinto feature 314. As illustrated in FIG. 5, feature 314 may be filledwith the interconnector. Upon the mechanism disengaging end portion 406of contact 216, upper portion 308 flexes in the reverse directionthereby resulting in contact 216 providing a normal force on theinterconnector. The ability to flex also permits normal force to providea tight fit between the interconnector and contact module 302. In oneembodiment, the interconnector is substantially circumferentiallysupported and secured by contact housing 206 and/or contact 216. Inpart, the support is provided by feature 314 in contact housing 206providing a support surface for the interconnector. The support surfaceprovides support in the opposite direction of the normal force appliedby contact 216 to interconnector 112.

Referring to FIG. 5, the contact housing of contact module 302additionally secures contacts 216. The contact housing may includegrooves 404 arranged at a size slightly larger than contact and disposedto substantially prevent movement of contact (except for flexing whereapplicable). Additionally, contact 216 may include retention features408 to prevent contact 216 from being removed from the contact housing

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of contact module 302.In the embodiment of FIG. 6, contact module 302 includes printed wiringboard 506 with contacts 516 affixed to printed wiring board 506. Thesubstrate includes holes 504 arranged and disposed for housing towers(not shown) to be inserted through. The housing towers in conjunctionwith holes 504 may secure contact module 302 to shielded lower housing204. Contact 516 is formed from a single integrated conductive bandhaving a flexible upper portion 508. Lower portion 502 of contact 516may be affixed to printed wiring board 506. Contacts 516 are securedwithin printed wiring board 506. Contacts 516 may be affixed bymechanical force, adhesive, and/or solder.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of contact module 302.In the embodiment of FIG. 7, contact module 302 includes contact housing606 as a structure with grooves 604 configured to align and receivecontacts 616. Lower portion 601 of contact 616 is arranged and disposedfor being affixed to contact housing 606. Contacts 616 may be secured bymechanical force, adhesive, and/or solder. Contact housing 606 furtherincludes upper features 602. Upper feature 602 is configured to guide,secure, and support the interconnector. Upper feature 602 may abut acorresponding actuator (not shown), such as cam actuator 210 (see FIG.2) and/or cam 212 (see FIG. 2). Contact 616 is a single integratedconductive band with a flexible upper portion 608.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of contact module 302.In the embodiment of FIG. 8, contact module 302 includes contact housing706 as a substrate configured for receiving contacts 716. Asillustrated, contacts 716 are secured by interface fit pins 704, whichmay be ultrasonically welded. Contacts 716 may be partially or entirelysecured by a contiguous dielectric shell 702. Contiguous dielectricshell 702 may provide support to interconnector 112 in opposition to thenormal force provided by contacts 716. As illustrated, contacts 716 caninclude terminal 703 providing a conductive surface for receiving aconductive wire (not shown).

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of guide wire receptacle 106.In the embodiment of FIG. 9, guide wire receptacle 106 includes ashielded upper housing 802 and a shielded lower housing 804. Shieldedupper housing 802 may be secured to shielded lower housing 804, therebyprotecting components housed within guide wire receptacle 106. Shieldedlower housing 804 and shielded upper housing 802 are comprised of adielectric material. Both housings 802, 804 are configured to receivethe guide wire (not shown), the interconnector (not shown), cam 812,spring 808, and contact module 302 that is in electrical communicationwith interface cable (not shown). The interconnector may be insertedinto guide wire receptacle 106.

Referring still to FIG. 9, while the interconnector is being insertedinto guide wire receptacle 106, cam actuator 810 may be manually engagedthereby reducing or eliminating the force required to insert theinterconnector. This reduction or elimination of the force required toinsert the interconnector reduces the risk of breaking or damaging theinterconnector. The engaged cam actuator 810 compresses spring 808. Whenspring 808 is compressed, cam 812 partially rotates along a fulcrum 818configured to rest in receiving slot 820 of both housings 802, 804. Whenrotated, cam actuator 810 engages contacts 216 thereby permittinginsertion of the interconnector into contact module 302. When theinterconnector is fully inserted into contact module 302, cam actuator810 may be disengaged thereby permitting spring 808 to expand. Whenspring 808 expands, cam 812 rotates in the opposite direction. When cam812 rotates and disengages contacts 216, contacts 216 may engage theinterconnector in contact housing 206, thereby permitting contacts 216to be in electrical communication with the interconnector. The fullyinserted interconnector permits multiple separate signals to betransmitted and received between a sensor and contacts 216.Additionally, cam 812 may include a tab 806 that may be used fordisengaging contacts 216. In another embodiment, spring 808 is notincluded and tab 806 or other feature on cam 812 is used to disengagecontacts 216. In yet another embodiment, spring 808 is included and tab806 is not included. As depicted in FIG. 9, cam 812 may be a buttonlever and cam actuator 810 may be a button lever actuator.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment of guide wire receptacle106. In the embodiment in FIG. 10, guide wire receptacle 106 includes ashielded upper housing 902 and a shielded lower housing 904. Shieldedupper housing 902 may be secured to shielded lower housing 904, therebyprotecting components housed within guide wire receptacle 106. Shieldedupper housing 902 and shielded lower housing 904 are comprised of adielectric material. Both housings 902, 904 are configured to receivethe guide wire (not shown), the interconnector (not shown), cam 912,spring 908, and contact module 302, which is in electrical communicationwith the interface cable (not shown).

Referring still to FIG. 10, when the interconnector is being insertedinto guide wire receptacle 106, cam actuator 910 may be manually engagedthereby reducing or eliminating the force required to insert theinterconnector. This reduction or elimination of the force required toinsert the interconnector reduces the risk of breaking or damaging theinterconnector. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10, cam actuator910 is a protruding portion of cam 912. The engaged cam 912 compressesspring 908. When spring 908 is compressed, cam 912 rotates along afulcrum 918 configured to rest in receiving slot 920 formed by bothhousings 902, 904. When rotated, cam 912 engages contacts 216 therebypermitting insertion of the interconnector into contact module 302. Whenthe interconnector is fully inserted into contact module 302, camactuator 910 may be disengaged, thereby permitting spring 908 to expand.When spring 908 expands, cam 912 rotates in the opposite direction. Whencam 912 rotates and disengages contacts 216, contacts 216 may engage theinterconnector in contact housing 206, thereby permitting contacts 216to be in electrical communication with the interconnector. The fullyinserted interconnector permits multiple separate signals to betransmitted and received between a sensor (not shown) and contacts 216.In another embodiment, spring 908 is not included and the tab or otherfeature on cam 912 is used to disengage contacts 216 instead of camactuator 910 to remain depressed for contacts 216 to be engaged. In yetanother embodiment, both spring 908 and the tab (or other feature on cam912) are included. Additionally, cam 912 may include a tab 906 that maybe used for disengaging contacts 216. In another embodiment, spring 908is not included and tab 906 or other feature on cam 912 is used todisengage contacts 216. In yet another embodiment, spring 908 isincluded and tab 906 is not included. As depicted in FIG. 10, cam 912may be a button lever and cam actuator 910 may be a button leveractuator protruding from the button lever.

Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the present disclosureincludes a latching member 950 arranged and disposed for releasablysecuring cam 952 after cam 952 engages contacts 216. When cam actuator954 is depressed, cam 952 may engage contacts 216 as described above.When contacts 216 are engaged, a latch catch 956 on cam 952 is pushedagainst latching member 950. As depicted in FIG. 11, latching member 950and latch catch 956 may have angled corresponding geometry. This angledcorresponding geometry permits a downward force to be applied to cam 952(directly or through a cam actuator as described above) and, therefore,latch catch 956. When latch catch 956 contacts latching member 950, theangled corresponding geometry permits latch catch 956 to provide anaxial force onto latching member 950. The axial force applied tolatching member 950 compresses a latch spring 958. After latch catch 956is pushed below the angled corresponding geometry of latching member950, latch spring 958 may expand thereby pushing latching member 950axially in the reverse direction. At this point, an audible clickingsound may result. When latching member 950 is axially pushed by latchspring 958 in this reverse direction, latching member 950 secures cam952 while cam 952 engages contacts 216. This continued engaging ofcontacts 216 permits the user of guide wire receptacle 106 to releasecam actuator 954 without cam 952 disengaging contacts 216. As describedabove, when cam 952 engages contacts 216, the interconnector may beinserted into guide wire receptacle 106.

Referring again to FIG. 11, when the interconnector is fully insertedinto contact module 962, the interconnector applies an axial force tolatching member 950. The axial force applied to latching member 950compresses latch spring 958 thereby moving latching member 950 axially.In one embodiment, the axial force may be provided by the interconnectorcontacting the end of feature 314 permitting the interconnector to pushagainst the contact housing in an axial direction. In anotherembodiment, the axial force may be provided by the interconnectorreaching a mechanism that provides axial force. In yet anotherembodiment with the feature extending entirely through the contacthousing, axial force may be provided when interconnector 112 extendsthrough the entire contact housing. Referring to FIG. 11, when latchingmember 950 is moved axially, latching member 950 releases latch catch956, thereby resulting in cam 952 disengaging contacts 216. As describedabove, when cam 952 disengages contacts 216, the interconnector andcontacts 216 may be in electrical communication. At this point, anaudible clicking sound may result. As depicted in FIG. 11, cam 952 maybe a button lever and cam actuator 954 may be a button lever actuatorprotruding from the button lever.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment of guide wire receptacle106. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, guide wire receptacle 106 includes ashielded upper housing 972 and a shielded lower housing 974. Shieldedupper housing 972 may be secured to shielded lower housing 974, therebyprotecting components housed within guide wire receptacle 106. Shieldedlower housing 974 is configured to receive interconnector 112, a cam976, an anisotropic material 978, and a printed circuit board 980.

In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 12, anisotropic material 978 actsas the plurality of contacts and printed circuit board 980 acts as thecontact housing. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, ananisotropic material is a material with differing effects forcompression in one direction as opposed to another direction. Thediffering effect permits the material to be compressed in a vertical orz-axis thereby permitting conductivity. Anisotropic materials are alsodescribed as z-axis materials and include, but are not limited to,arrays of wires, silver flakes in a polymer, molded particleinterconnect, interposers with contacts embedded in a matrix, and/orpolyamid compression sheets. Anisotropic material 978 permits electricalsignals to be transmitted in compressed portions. The compressedportions permit electrical communication by forming an electricallyconductive region in the compressed portions while remaining dielectricin non-compressed portions. The portions that are not compressed do notpermit electrical signals to be transmitted. In FIG. 12, anisotropicmaterial 978 and printed circuit board 980 constitute the contactmodule.

Referring to FIG. 12, when interconnector 112 is being inserted intoguide wire receptacle 106, a cam actuator 982 may be manually engagedthereby reducing or eliminating the force required to insertinterconnector 112. This reduction or elimination of the force requiredto insert interconnector 112 reduces the risk of breaking or damaginginterconnector 112. The engaged cam actuator 982 compresses a spring 984in a collett 986. When spring 984 is compressed, cam 976 partiallyrotates along a fulcrum 988 configured to rest in receiving slot 992 ofshielded lower housing 974 of guide wire receptacle 106. When partiallyrotated, cam 976 is secured in a depressed position by a securingmechanism 990 connected to collett 986. In the depressed position, cam976 compresses anisotropic material 978. Anisotropic material 978 isarranged and disposed for receiving interconnector 112 and to bereceived by printed circuit board 980. In one embodiment, anisotropicmaterial 978 includes a channel extending in the axial directionarranged and disposed to slidably receive interconnector 112 prior tocam 976 being depressed. When cam 976 is depressed and interconnector112 is positioned within anisotropic material 978, electrical signalsfrom axial conductive portions 116 of interconnector 112 may betransmitted to printed circuit board 980. Fully inserted interconnector112 permits multiple separate signals to be transmitted and receivedbetween sensor 110 and printed circuit board 980. As depicted in FIG.12, cam 976 may be a button lever and cam actuator 982 may be a buttonlever actuator protruding from the button lever.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, when interconnector 112 is fully insertedinto anisotropic material 978, if cam actuator 982 is depressed,securing mechanism 990 disengages cam 976 and expands spring 984 oncollett 986 thereby resulting in cam 976 no longer applying pressure toanisotropic material 978. With no pressure being applied to anisotropicmaterial 978, no electrical signals are transmitted to printed circuitboard 980.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Forinstance, the materials disclosed as comprising the embodiments areexemplary and not exhaustive. In addition, many modifications may bemade to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of thedisclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. An electrical connector comprising: a body arranged and disposed toreceive an interconnector of a guide wire at a first end and aninterface cable at a second end; and a contact module in the body, thecontact module comprising a contact housing and a plurality of contacts,disposed in the contact housing, the plurality of contacts beingconfigured for electrical connection with the interface cable and theguide wire; and wherein the interconnector comprises a plurality ofaxial conductive portions separated by a plurality of axial dielectricportions, the number of the axial conductive portions corresponding tothe number of the contacts in the contact module, and wherein theinterface cable is arranged and disposed for electrically connectingwith a monitoring and control device.
 2. The electrical connector ofclaim 1, wherein the electrical connector is arranged and disposed forreleasably receiving the guide wire. 3 The electrical connector of claim1, further comprising a cam actuator and a cam in the body, the camactuator arranged and disposed for partially rotating the cam, the cambeing arranged and disposed for engaging the contacts upon beingpartially rotated, thereby permitting the interconnector to be insertedinto the contact module.
 4. The electrical connector of claim 3, whereinthe cam includes a fulcrum configured to rest in a receiving slot of thebody, the receiving slot arranged and disposed for receiving the fulcrumthereby permitting the cam to partially rotate upon the cam actuatorbeing engaged.
 5. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the camactuator is arranged and disposed to be manually engaged by depressingit, thereby permitting the interconnector to be inserted into the body,the cam actuator further arranged and disposed for adjusting the camupon being depressed, the cam including a fulcrum configured to rest ina receiving slot of the body, the receiving slot arranged and disposedfor receiving the fulcrum thereby permitting the cam to partially rotateupon the cam actuator being engaged.
 6. The electrical connector ofclaim 3, wherein the cam actuator is arranged and disposed to bemanually engaged by depressing it, thereby permitting the interconnectorto be inserted into the body, the cam actuator being a protrudingportion of the cam, the cam actuator arranged and disposed for adjustingthe cam upon being depressed, the cam including a fulcrum configured torest in a receiving slot of the body, the receiving slot arranged anddisposed for receiving the fulcrum, thereby permitting the cam topartially rotate upon the cam actuator being engaged.
 7. The electricalconnector of claim 3, wherein the cam further comprises a latch catcharranged and disposed for releasably engaging a latching member, thelatching member being arranged and disposed for releasing the latchcatch upon full insertion of the interconnector into the contact module.8. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the contact housingcomprises: grooves arranged and disposed for the contacts to slide intothe grooves; and recessed portions arranged and disposed to receive anupper portion of the contacts, the contacts comprising terminalsproviding a conductive surface for electrical connection, the upperportion arranged and disposed to flex upon being engaged by a cam,thereby permitting the interconnector to be inserted into the contactmodule.
 9. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the contactfurther comprises: a single integrated conductive band with a flexibleupper portion; and a lower portion affixed to the contact housing. 10.The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the contact housing isarranged and disposed to slidably receive the contacts, and wherein thecontacts include a single integrated conductive band with an upperportion and a lower portion affixed to the contact housing.
 11. Theelectrical connector of claim 1, wherein the contact housing is:arranged and disposed for receiving the contacts by a contiguousdielectric shell, and arranged and disposed for securely receivingcontacts and substantially preventing the contacts from unintentionallybeing removed.
 12. An electrical connector assembly comprising: a guidewire having an interconnector, the interconnector comprising a pluralityof axial conductive portions separated by a plurality of axialdielectric portions, the number of the axial conductive portionscorresponding to the number of the contacts in the contact module, theguide wire further comprising a sensor at a distal end of the guidewire, the sensor arranged and disposed for measuring internal conditionsof a human; an interface cable, the interface cable arranged anddisposed for electrically connecting with a monitoring and controldevice; and an electrical connector connecting the guide wire to theinterface cable, the connector comprising: a body; and a contact module,the contact module comprising a contact housing and a plurality ofcontacts disposed in the contact housing for electrical connection withthe interface cable and the guide wire; and wherein the body is arrangedand disposed for protecting internal components of the electricalconnector.
 13. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12, whereinthe electrical connector is arranged and disposed for releasablyreceiving the guide wire.
 14. The electrical connector assembly of claim12, wherein the guide wire is arranged and disposed for a catheter to beinserted onto it.
 15. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12,wherein the body further comprises a cam actuator and a cam, the cambeing arranged and disposed for engaging the contacts thereby permittinginsertion of the interconnector into the contact module, therebypermitting an electrical communication signal to be transmitted from theguide wire to the interface cable.
 16. The electrical connector assemblyof claim 15, wherein the cam includes a fulcrum configured to rest in areceiving slot of the body, the receiving slot arranged and disposed forreceiving the fulcrum thereby permitting the cam to partially rotateupon the cam actuator being engaged.
 17. The electrical connectorassembly of claim 15, wherein the cam actuator is arranged and disposedto be manually engaged by depressing it permitting the interconnector tobe inserted into the contact module, the cam actuator further arrangedand disposed for adjusting the cam upon being depressed, the camincluding a fulcrum configured to rest in a receiving slot of the body,the receiving slot arranged and disposed for receiving the fulcrumthereby permitting the cam to partially rotate upon being activated bythe interconnector.
 18. The electrical connector assembly of claim 15,wherein the cam actuator is arranged and disposed to be manually engagedby depressing it permitting the interconnector to be inserted into thecontact module, the cam actuator being a protruding portion of the cam,the cam actuator arranged and disposed for adjusting the cam upon beingdepressed, the cam including a fulcrum configured to rest in a receivingslot of the body, the receiving slot arranged and disposed for receivingthe fulcrum thereby permitting the cam to partially rotate upon beingactivated by the interconnector.
 19. The electrical connector assemblyof claim 12, wherein the contact housing comprises: grooves arranged anddisposed for the contacts to slide into the grooves; and recessedportions arranged and disposed to receive an upper portion of thecontacts, the contacts comprising terminals providing a conductivesurface for electrical connection, the upper portion arranged anddisposed to flex upon being engaged by the cam, thereby permitting theinterconnector to be inserted into the contact module.
 20. Theelectrical connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the contact furthercomprises: a single integrated conductive band with a flexible upperportion; and a lower portion affixed to the contact housing.
 21. Theelectrical connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the contact housingis arranged and disposed for the contacts to slide into it, and whereinthe contacts include a single integrated conductive band with a flexibleportion upper portion and a lower portion affixed to the contacthousing.
 22. The electrical connector assembly of claim 12, wherein thecontact housing is: arranged and disposed for receiving the contacts bya contiguous dielectric shell, and arranged and disposed for securelyreceiving contacts and substantially preventing the contacts fromunintentionally being removed.
 23. The electrical connector assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the cam further comprises a latch catch arranged anddisposed for releasably engaging a latching member, the latching memberbeing arranged and disposed for releasing the latch catch upon fullinsertion of the interconnector into the contact module.
 24. Anelectrical connector comprising: a body arranged and disposed to receivea contact module and arranged and disposed to receive a hypo tube of aguide wire at a first end and an interface cable at a second end; thecontact module comprising a contact housing and a plurality of contacts,the contact housing arranged and disposed for receiving the plurality ofcontacts, the plurality of contacts being configured for electricalconnection with the interface cable and the guide wire; a cam actuatorand a cam, the cam actuator arranged and disposed for partially rotatingthe cam, the cam arranged and disposed for engaging the contacts uponbeing partially rotated, thereby permitting the interconnector to beinserted into the contact module; and wherein the hypo tube comprises aplurality of axial conductive portions and a plurality of axialdielectric portions, and wherein the interface cable is arranged anddisposed for electrically connecting with a monitoring and controldevice.